PROPOSALS to build 14 houses on a conservation area will obliterate a green landscape and ruin their view, villagers fear.

People in Witton-le-Wear, near Bishop Auckland, are also concerned at the possible impact of the development on nearby Witton House, which is a listed building.

The proposals for land called The Paddock have already been discussed by Wear Valley District Council's planning committee.

The authority's planning officers recommended approval for the scheme, but councillors have decided to make a site visit before reaching a decision.

Anthony Wardle, who has lived at Witton House for 21 years with his family, said he hopes that the site visit will show councillors that 14 houses would be too much for the area.

He said: "The original outline was for six bungalows. My comments have been put to the planning committee by a professional planner, on my behalf, and I am pleased to see that the committee has decided to visit the site. I am confident that they will see that the main areas of concern make this proposal unacceptable.

"The parish councillors and other villagers are also against the proposed development. I don't want to upset anyone, but it is important that they know the impact of these proposals.''

As well as believing that the density of houses is too high, villagers are concerned the houses are too close together and too close to Witton House.

The district council has received 13 letters of objection and a detailed letter against the development from Witton-le-Wear Parish Council.

But planning officials say the scheme would enhance the conservation area.

Their report states: "It provides a successful transition between the historic core of the settlement and more recent development, being a modern solution that embraces traditional design principles."